Horticulture Industry Award Modernisation

As part of the Federal Government's award modernisation a number of changes have been made to the Horticulture Industry Award. The award changes come into force on January 1, 2010 and will apply to 'federal' employees i.e. Pty Ltd or Ltd companies.

The main provisions from the new award include:

• 25% casual loading (increase from 23%)

• 15% piecework loading (decrease from 20%)

• 200% Sunday penalty (increase from 150%) with all hours to be worked either 5 or 51/2 days out of 7. A minimum of 4 hours payment also applies (whether worked or not)

• Hour of work for employees other than picking house employees can not exceed 38 hours over 5 days (other than Sunday) without overtime being paid

• Work hours for packing house employees will be 38 hours including no more than 8 hours a day Monday - Friday between 6.00am and 6.00pm without being paid overtime

• Overtime rates are 150% for the first 3 hours and 200% for all hours thereafter

• Five level job classification structure

• Four levels of 'responsibility allowance' for leading hands in charge of 2 or more employees.

For more information regarding the HIA modernisation please visit: http://www.cciwa.com/Award_Modernisation.aspx and click on the ' Horticulture Industry Award 2010' link.

I am very interested to hear from any horticulturalists in the Forrest electorate on how you think the modernisation of the Horticulture Industry Award will impact on your business.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could supply your thoughts and feedback my contacting my office toll free on 1300 301 862 or emailing me at nola.marino.mp@aph.gov.au .